Pair of Flying Aces players make college hockey plans

April 20, 2015

The Midland University men's hockey team has announced the signing of former NA3HL teammates, Tyler Gallagher and Bradee Thompson.

The junior hockey teammates signed their letters of intent on campus earlier this month, and are officially part of the Warrior' signing class of 2015. Gallagher and Thompson both played for the Minnesota Flying Aces the last two seasons.

Gallagher, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, recorded four assists over 45 games for the Flying Aces in 2014-15. The defenseman played in 46 of Minnesota's 48 games during the 2013-14 campaign and scored one goal while chipping in seven assists. Gallagher graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and played for the Rough Riders before moving to junior hockey.

"Tyler is a steady defensive player that will help stabilize that end of the ice for us," said head coach Jason Cirone. "He will also be look upon for his leadership, and to match up against our opponents' top players on the ice."

Thompson, a native of Chisago Lakes, Minnesota, poured in five goals and 11 assists over 40 games during the 2013-14 season for the Flying Aces. Last year, he became an offensive juggernaut for Minnesota, leading the team in goals (18) and total points (42) while ranking second in assists (24). Thompson graduated from Chisago Lakes High School and played for the Wildcats before beginning his junior hockey career.

"Bradee is a big strong forward that has the ability to put up huge offensive numbers for us," commented Cirone. "He was the captain of the Aces, so I know he will also bring leadership to our locker room."

Gallagher and Thompson will also be reunited with Blake Neumann, who committed to Midland last month, a former teammate on the Flying Aces.

The Warriors went 10-29 overall in their inaugural season on the ice during the 2014-15 campaign. Midland went 6-11 while playing at home at the Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont, Nebraska while drawing impressive crowds night in and night out.

Gallagher and Thompson will join the Warriors on the ice for the 2015-16 season.